MEMBERS NEWSLETTER
December 2012
Arthritis awards recognise special New Zealanders
(From left) Nicholas Leach (Abbott); Professor Colin Green; Clare Richards; Alan Henwood; Lt Gen The
Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae; Sandra Kirby; Martin Cheer (Pub Charity); Els Dutton; and Matt Lockwood.
The incredible efforts of four
individuals and two businesses were
acknowledged by the Governor-
General of New Zealand Lt Gen
The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae at
Government House on Saturday 3
November, as he hosted the Arthritis
New Zealand biennial awards.
Arthritis is the leading cause of
disability in New Zealand and the
awardees have contributed in a
major way to raise awareness of this
chronic condition.
The Young Achievers Award, which
identifies the achievements and
potential of a young person affected
by arthritis, was awarded to Matt
Lockwood, who was first diagnosed
with arthritis at the age of 8. He is
Photo by Woolf Photography
now 24 and is a professional racing
driver. He recently won the inaugural
V8 Challenge Cup at Pukekohe. And
for the past two years he has been
an extraordinary ambassador for
Arthritis New Zealand.
The Premier Award recognises
those who have been diagnosed
as having arthritis and have been
able to achieve goals and act as a
role model for others. This year it
was awarded to Clare Richards of
Christchurch. Since the diagnosis
of her own arthritis back in 1980,
she has demonstrated considerable
courage and determination to
manage her home, family and run a
variety of support groups. Despite
numerous joint replacements she has
maintained a positive outlook on life
and is a great example of what people
can do if they have the right attitude.
The Distinguished Service Award
acknowledges volunteers who have
made an outstanding contribution
to the work of Arthritis New Zealand
and was awarded to Professor Colin
Green, who has been a valuable
member of the Arthritis New Zealand
Research Grants Committee for over
six years, providing expert advice on
research grant proposals.
There were two recipients of the
Business Development Award, which
recognises significant financial
contributions that have had a major
impact on raising awareness of
arthritis.
Abbott Laboratories NZ Ltd (Abbott)
has supported Arthritis New Zealand
in a variety of different ways over a
number of years. Abbott supported
the ankylosing spondylitis awareness
campaign, which generated hundreds
of calls to Arthritis New Zealand as
well as thousands of visits to our website.
This resulted in increased referrals
to rheumatologists for previously
undiagnosed ankylosing spondylitis.
Pub Charity Inc supported the
Arthritis New Zealand osteoarthritis
awareness campaign, as they
believed this would make a real
difference to the lives of many
New Zealanders. The financial
contribution from Pub Charity and
their interest and commitment to the
work of Arthritis New Zealand over
many years is recognised in this award.
 From the President
Arthritis New Zealand started helped us raise public awareness
with a group of committed people and challenge the myth that arthritis
volunteering their time and energy. is just part of ageing. Professor
Many things have changed over the Colin Greens award recognised the
intervening years but our reliance years of support he has given us
on the commitment of volunteers through his role on our Research
has remained. At every level in our Grants Committee. For many years
organisation from the Governing Colin has carefully and thoughtfully
Body to those people who offer us an reviewed research grant applications
hour or two at the time of our Appeal, and considered the best use of
volunteers make a difference. To all the research funds so that Arthritis
In this issue: of you who have helped this year, my New Zealand can make the biggest
1 Arthritis Awards thanks and good wishes. Your efforts impact in research nationally and
2 From the President are noticed we couldnt do this work internationally. He has done that
3 From the Chief Executive without you. without fuss and without publicity
4 Arthritis doesnt hold him and his award recognises the debt
In that vein, it was a pleasure to be
back; Levin Arthritis Support of gratitude that we owe to Colin
Group celebrates 25 years invited to attend the Levin Support
and the many others like him. To
5 Horses for courses
Groups anniversary celebrations in
Matt, Colin and the other award
September, and to see the numbers
6 Arthritis New Zealand Annual recipients once again I extend my
Appeal there. It is clear that there is a need
congratulations and thanks.
8 Annual Appeal launched at and a role to play for such groups in
Parliament; Finitre Forte Plus providing community support. Then, At the AGM in November we also
9 Arthritis causes huge smile; a few days later, I was at Parliament acknowledged Kathie Smiths
MabThera funding for the launch of our Awareness Week: years of service to Arthritis New
10 Milk, cherries, vitamin C & a different group but the same passion Zealand. Kathie has stepped down
gout - Fact or fiction?
for Arthritis New Zealand and equally from the Governing Body after 31
11 Key facts about gout (MGAG) vital. years continuous service to the
12 Honorary life memberships organisation. Kathie has been an
awarded It is always an honour to be part of the
inspiring volunteer and a role model.
13 Fit For Work report released
national volunteer awards ceremony.
Her contribution in the then Auckland
This year the Awards have been
14 Living with two forms of division; at the National Board and
arthritis; Exploring the particularly special as they were held
as Governing Body Member and
benefits of hydrotherapy at Government House in Wellington
President has been immense and
15 Rheumatoid arthritis and with our Patron Lt Gen The Rt Hon
smoking she will be at missed at the board
Sir Jerry Mateparae, the Governor-
table.
General of New Zealand. Our award
recipients will remember this day for With Christmas upon us, I would like
many years. The photos show what a to wish you and your family a happy
great event we had. and safe festive season.
Editor: Darryl Ward
Email: editor@arthritis.org.nz The awards recognise the hard work
Phone: 0800 663 463 of our volunteers people like Matt
Official magazine of Arthritis New Zealand Lockwood, our Young Achiever, who
ISSN 2324-1357 (Print) shared his experience of living with Alan Henwood
ISSN 2324-1365 (Online) arthritis to all of New Zealand and President

Products advertised and information provided in

editorial in Joint Support do not imply endorsement
by Arthritis New Zealand.

2
From the Chief Executive
Kia ora tatou
One of the fundamental principles that
our Arthritis Educators teach is that
of self management. There is good
evidence that for chronic conditions
like arthritis that improvement in a
persons quality of life comes from
changes in the day to day activities.
The people who attend the Living
a Healthy Life courses around the
country testify to this on a daily basis.
At an organisational level we
have done the equivalent of a self
management programme. We have
reviewed and made changes. We are
doing things differently. The past year
has shown us that the new ways of
delivering services are working. The
number of people receiving services
has not changed and this is great
news. The savings we have made
from reducing our overhead costs
have made an impact. We have freed
up some resources so that we can
implement other effective strategies
the awareness campaigns;
the conference and the renewed
advocacy programme have all been
highlights this year.
Making changes, however necessary,
is hard. I know this at a personal
level and I am sure you do too. And
we can all share the challenges of
making changes for Arthritis New
Zealand.
Country music singer Jimmy Dean
once said I cant change the direction
of the wind, but I can adjust my sails
to always reach my destination.
That, to me, is the essence of change.
We cant fight against the elements
but we can work with them.
I have been privileged to be able to
spend time with arthritis organisations
from a range of countries over the
last few months. Almost all our sister
organisations are challenged by the
same issues we face membership
numbers are declining, younger people
are not joining organisations even
where they are active supporters;
providing services in a tight
economy; raising public awareness
and challenging government policy
effectively are shared across
continents. Ironically some of the Contact us
challenges are those created by the
huge advances in treatment options for Regional Offices
people with arthritis people can now Northern (Auckland) 09 523 8900
continue to work and have less need of
Midland/Central (Wellington) 04 472 1427
the social supports that many groups
set up to meet. There is however an Southern (Christchurch) 03 366 8383
increased need for advocacy such as
the Fit for Work programmes, and the
ongoing pressures on health budgets. National Office
Level 2, 166 Featherston Street
I have been humbled by the interest
shown in the way Arthritis New PO Box 10 020, The Terrace
Zealand has responded to these
Wellington 6143
challenges. Our actions have been
noted internationally. I am particularly Phone 04 472 1427
grateful to Abbott Laboratories and
Fax 04 472 7066
the Bone and Joint Decade who have
funded my travel.
As we come to the end of another year Toll free 0800 663 463
I once again thank all of you who work
with and for us paid and voluntary;
To donate $20 phone 0900 333 20
new and long standing your practical
help and moral support sustains
Arthritis New Zealand.
As we look towards 2013 we will
Arthritis New Zealand is grateful to be
again be watching the wind and
supported by:
adjusting our sails to maintain the
direction.
Nga mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau
Hou.
Sandra Kirby
Chief Executive
3
Arthritis doesnt hold him back
Photo courtesy of The Hutt News
Levin Arthritis Support Group celebrates 25 years
Mary Robb, Alan Henwood (obscured) & Janet Tillson cutting the birthday cake.
On 10 September 2012, the Levin
Arthritis Support Group celebrated
its 25th anniversary with more than
40 support group members. They
were joined by Arthritis New Zealand
President Alan Henwood, Horowhenua
4
Tyler Stevens of Lower Hutt is a swim
coach, but the active nineteen year
olds life was forever changed when
he was diagnosed with arthritis.
When he was 17, he developed
pain and discomfort that impacted
greatly on his life. Tyler says he was
stopped from doing everything.
Some nights, his pain was so bad he
couldnt get out of bed, and his ability
to swim was greatly affected.
Tylers GP recognised that he had
arthritis, and referred him to a
rheumatologist, who diagnosed him
as having ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a
form of arthritis that mainly affects
the spine and causes ongoing
inflammation of soft tissues around
the vertebrae.
District Council Mayor Brendan Duffy
and other invited guests.
Janet Tillson, who first formed the group
back in 1987, gave a brief history on the
support group.
The perception that arthritis is an
older persons condition is one that
needs to be broken down. In fact,
arthritis can occur to any one at any
age, and there are more than 1,000
children in New Zealand living with
the condition.
So far Tylers arthritis has been
controlled by drugs, including steroid
injections and he has not yet required
any surgery. His treatment enables
him to continue to lead an active life:
as well as being a swim coach, Tyler
works in a caf and is a student.
In the Wellington Region, there are
about 75,000 people living with one
of the more than 140 different forms
of arthritis.
Everyone was entertained by the Levin
Intermediate School ukulele group The
Mandarins, which also had some very
talented singers. This was followed by
cutting of a cake, which was a three way
affair with Janet Tillson, the groups first
President; original member Mary Robb;
and Arthritis New Zealand President
Alan Henwood all holding the knife.
In its 25 year history the support group
has only had six Presidents, and the two
past presidents are still involved with the
support group.
Its current president Yvonne Mabey has
held the position for the last 10 years
and says the groups real strength is
its members. Without members there
simply wouldnt be a group, and there
is definitely a real need for groups
like ours. It gives us a chance to get
together for a few hours, have some
fun and not think too much about our
arthritis.
Horses for courses
Abby Letteri and her daughter have
six horses, which they compete at
local and regional shows. Abby also
has Rheumatoid Arthritis, and had
her first debilitating flare-up last year.
At the time, while she was sorting
herself out and making a plan to
manage her condition and the
associated pain, several friends
joined together to help her care for
her horses. They formed Team Letteri
and took turns riding, exercising and
grooming Abbys horses. They even
took her horses out to a few shows
for her. For Christmas, they surprised
her with hats and t-shirts with a
beautiful Team Letteri logo.
Abby Letteri on her horse Fly Me to the Mooon at the Waikanae Spring Show in September
Abby has made a pledge, in honour her 25 year old horse - who has
of Team Letteri, to donate money osteoarthritis in his knees - at a
to Arthritis New Zealand for every recent show!
ribbon, rosette or sash earned by
Arthritis New Zealand is delighted at
members of Team Letteri this season
the creative new ideas for fundraising
(August 2012 - May 2013). She will
that are thought up by its members
donate $5 for every ribbon or rosette
and supporters. We are grateful
and $10 for every sash. Because
to Abby and Team Letteri for their
horses are so unpredictable, she also
support and we wish them all the
offered to donate $1 for every time a
best for the rest of the season.
horse bucked during a competition.
Its a way of encouraging her friends If you have an interesting idea for
as well as acknowledging how much fundraising, please dont hesitate to
they have encouraged her. tell us, no matter how unusual it may
seem.
In the first month, Team Letteri,
earned $54 including $5 for
a ribbon Abby received riding
5
Arthritis New Zealand Annual Appeal

Kate Conner with John and Dame Elizabeth Harper from Mayfield Lions collecting in
Geraldine (photo by John Hobbs/Fairfax NZ)

Simon from Abbot Laboratories (NZ) Ltd collecting in Wellington

Arthritis New Zealand is grateful

to the many volunteers, members,
businesses and donors who
contributed to the success of our
recent annual appeal. Members
and supporters came out in force
and helped turn the country orange
for a week to raise awareness
Students from Lincoln University and St Margarets College in Christchurch collecting outside the
of arthritis and to raise funds to
Re:START Mall support the more than 530,000

Hamilton s Victoria Bridge turned orange for the week. A street day was held in Rotorua.

6
 Staff from Pfizer

Sport Wairarapa collecting in Masterton

New Zealanders who are living

with arthritis. Here is a small
selection of images from our
annual appeal.
While our street collection has
finished, you can still support
our work with a $20 donation by Collectors in Hamilton
phoning 0900 333 20. Or you can
donate through our website:
www.arthritis.org.nz .

Westport South School held a cupcake sale and mufti day to raise funds for us. Shirley Primary School in Christchurch held a mufti day to raise funds for us.

7
Annual Appeal launched at Parliament

Arthritis New Zealands Annual Appeal launched at Parliament

Arthritis New Zealands Annual Appeal was launched at Parliament at a function hosted by Michael Woodhouse, MP, and
the Parliamentary Friends of Arthritis. Members of Parliament, representatives of Arthritis New Zealand, and a group of
people with arthritis attended. Joanne Wakelin and Paul Baker, both of whom have arthritis, captivated and inspired all
who attended, with their personal stories of living with arthritis. Two young women who are living with arthritis also shared
their stories quietly with MPs at the table.

Finitro Forte Plus

Arthritis New Zealand urges caution to people considering buying the health supplement Finitro Forte Plus, which claims
it is ...the most effective cure worldwide for arthritis. The products advertising makes some strong claims about its
effectiveness, which it claims are backed up by independent research.
Both the Commerce Commission and the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority have advised they consider this
advertising is potentially misleading, and Arthritis New Zealand agrees with this. Arthritis New Zealand is not aware of any
health supplement or other product that can cure arthritis.
People who are living with arthritis are warned to be wary of Finitro Forte Plus, or any other product that claims to cure
arthritis, because any such claims will almost certainly be misleading.

8
Arthritis causes huge smile
Brigitte Barker was the lucky winner
of the Arthritis New Zealand Lottery,
and was handed the keys to her Red
Toyota RAV4 Limited by Arthritis
New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra
Kirby.
Ms Barker, who lives near Geraldine,
couldnt believe her luck when
Sandra called to give her the news.
I purchased tickets thinking I was
giving a well deserved donation
to Arthritis New Zealand. I never
expected to win. It really hasnt sunk
in yet.
MabThera funding
Arthritis New Zealand is delighted
with the announcement from
PHARMAC that District Health
Boards will be funded to provide
rituximab (MabThera) from 1 July
2013. This will overcome the post
code funding that those with
Rheumatoid Arthritis have faced.
Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive
of Arthritis New Zealand, has
highlighted the importance of
Arthritis
New Zealand
would love to hear
YOUR story!
The lottery is an important fundraiser
for Arthritis New Zealand, which
heavily relies on donations and
grants to raise awareness of arthritis,
advocate for the 530,000 people
in New Zealand living with arthritis, Please email
and provide education and support.
Ms Barker had previously bought editor@arthritis.org.nz
a lottery ticket from Arthritis New
Zealand, but this is the first time she
has won a major prize in any lottery.
I was delighted to be able to present
this prize to Brigitte, just a week
before our next major fundraising
event, our annual appeal, said
Sandra.
investing in more biologic options.
This is very good news for people
who have not responded to other
treatments.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of
the most severe of the chronic
progressive diseases, characterised
by inflammation and joint damage
affecting all aspects of patients lives,
from education and employment
through to family and social life.
9
Milk, cherries, vitamin C and gout
Fact or fiction?
Gout is a common and painful form
of arthritis caused by a build up of
uric acid in the body. Because many
foods are broken down by the body
to uric acid, gout has long been
associated with dietary excess, in
particular rich food and alcohol. A
resurgence in interest in gout over
the last 5-10 years has led to new
insights into foods the can contribute
to as well as help protect against
gout.
Foods that can trigger gout: The
more widely recognised dietary
triggers for gout remain important.
These include alcohol, red meat and
seafood. Over recent years the role
of fructose has been highlighted.
Fructose is a sugar found in fruits
and many sugar sweetened fruit
drinks which has recently been
associated with the risk of higher uric
acid levels and gout. For patients
with gout, intake of these foods that
can trigger gout should be minimised.
Foods that can protect against gout:
Of more interest recently has been
recognition of certain foods or food
groups that can protect against gout.
The two of most interest are low fat
dairy products and vitamin C.
10
Low Fat Dairy and gout: The Health
Professionals Follow-up Study of
more than 47,000 men in the USA
reported a 21% reduction in the
risk of gout for every additional
daily serving of total dairy products
over a 12-year period. This effect
was greatest with low fat and skim
milk. Furthermore studies have
shown that the higher the low fat
dairy intake the lower the blood uric
acid levels. Research undertaken
at the University of Auckland by
Associate Professor Nicola Dalbeth
has confirmed that consumption of
certain low fat dairy products of a
three month period can reduce the
number of gout attacks.
Cherries, vitamin C and gout:
The beneficial effects of cherries
in patients with gout has been
recognised since the 1950s when Dr.
Ludwig Blau reported that cherries
could help control attacks of gout
and lowering uric acid levels. A study
published this month confirmed the
finding that in patients with gout
eating cherries was associated
with a reduced risk of gout attacks.
Cherries contain vitamin C - 1 cup
of cherries has ~10mg of vitamin
C. This vitamin which can only be
obtained through the diet has been
suggested to lower blood uric acid
levels and reduce the risk of gout.
We have recently undertaken a study
in patients with gout comparing
vitamin C 500mg daily and
allopurinol, the standard treatment for
gout. The reduction in blood uric acid
levels in those who received vitamin
C was much less than in those who
received allopurinol. The blood uric
acid reduction in those who received
vitamin C was insufficient to have
any beneficial effect on the long term
management of gout. This suggests
that while cherries may have
beneficial effects in patients with gout
this is unlikely to be due to vitamin C.
Further research into the diet and
vitamin C is continuing in New
Zealand and overseas and new
insights into triggering foods and
protective foods will emerge. Patients
with gout should avoid foods they
know trigger their gout and consider
increasing foods known to be
protective.
Lisa Stamp
University of Otago Arthritis
Research Theme
http://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/
research/arthritis/
Key facts about gout (MGAG) STOP PRESS!
Things for everyone to know, especially if you have a family history of gout
Gout is a form of arthritis (painful joints). Whanganui Garden Amble
Wellington Anniversary Day
Gout is caused first by a high uric acid level in the blood, which forms
Monday 21 January 2013
crystals in the joints.
Tickets are $10 and will be available
Its not just your kai (food) that gives you gout; having a high level of from December from local garden
uric acid is also in your genes. shops and some shops in Victoria
Avenue. For further information
Gout is very treatable. The safest treatment is allopurinol tablets taken
please phone David Orr on 06 345 0428
every day - it will lower the uric acid to the target level (0.36) and help
prevent further gout attacks.
Charity Golf Event
Pain medicine will treat an attack of gout, but allopurinol will stop it Thursday 21 February 2013
coming back. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course
Getting gout also means you have a higher chance of getting heart Watch our website for updates. For
disease, diabetes and kidney disease, so a regular check-up is further information, please contact
important for people who get gout. Lani Taulapapa on (04) 472 5642 or
0800 663 463.
To prevent gout and gout attacks
o be active Gerbera Club
Arthritis New Zealand was delighted
o avoid food and drink which make gout more likely (sugary fizzy
to be able to host guests at thank you
drinks, fruit juice, beer, too much meat or seafood)
functions in the Sharp Corporations
o try to lose weight. premises in Auckland and Wellington.
Things to know if you get gout There was lots of envy from our
guests about the size of the flat
The target level of uric acid in the blood is below 0.36, under this level screens and other Sharp products on
you wont get gout. If you have gout, find out what your uric acid level is. display.
If you have had two or more attacks of gout in 12 months, ask your
doctor for allopurinol.
If you take allopurinol for gout, make sure you have regular blood tests
to be sure your uric acid is below 0.36, so you dont get gout flares.
Allopurinol only works when you are taking it every day. Make sure you
get a new prescription before your pills run out - if you stop allopurinol,
the uric acid will go back to the high level within 2 days.
Keep taking allopurinol even if you have a gout attack, and see your
doctor you might have to increase your dose to get your uric acid
level down.
Once your uric acid level is below 0.36, you will be able to eat and
drink small amounts of the things you enjoy even if they used to trigger Arthritis New Zealand now
your gout. publishes monthly e-letters
If you or anyone in your whnau (family) suffer from gout arthritis and to keep you up to date with
arent getting treatment to keep your uric acid level down, you may be whats happening in your
suffering unnecessary pain, time off work, limited activities, and limited
diet.
region. If we dont already
have your email address,
If you require any further information about gout, please phone
please tell us, so we can
0800 663 463 and speak with one of our Arthritis Educators.
add you to the list.

11
Honorary life memberships awarded
Els Dutton and Phil Donnelly were
elected Honorary Life Members
of Arthritis New Zealand at its
AGM in November. Honorary Life
Memberships identify individuals who
have rendered outstanding service to
Arthritis New Zealand.
Els had her life membership certificate
presented at the Arthritis Awards
ceremony at Government House.
Els first became involved with the then
Northland Division of Arthritis New
Zealand in 1981, when she took on the
position of volunteer adviser, and she
has widely contributed to all aspects of
our services in Northland. After being
an active and enthusiastic volunteer
and providing local leadership (Left to right) Arthritis New Zealand President Alan Henwood, Els Dutton, Governor-General Lt
through organisational changes, life Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae. Photo by Woolf Photography
membership is a fitting tribute to her
dedication and commitment.

Phil was unable to be at the AGM or

Awards Ceremony, so his award will
be presented at a later date.
Phil was a key member of the
original support group for parents
and children with arthritis, The
Joint Connection, which started
in 1996. He has worked tirelessly
and passionately over many years
to support Kids with Arthritis New
Zealand (KWANZ) and Arthritis New
Zealand, and drawing on his own
experience as a parent of a child with
arthritis, has often provided emotional
support to children with arthritis
and their parents. Phil became the
National Secretary/Treasurer of Kids
with Arthritis New Zealand, when it
formed in 2011.
His life membership is a worthy
Phil Donnelly with Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby recognition of the time and energy
he has spent promoting awareness
and advocacy of arthritis within our
society.

12

Fit for Work report released
The Fit for Work report, which was In 2010, 15.2%, of New
released in September, has found Zealanders aged 15 and over Look No Hooks
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), were living with at least one
such as arthritis, affect one in six type of arthritis
New Zealanders and are reducing the It is forecast that 16.9%,
productivity of thousands of workers or more than 650,000, New
at huge cost to the health and welfare Zealanders aged 15 and over
system. MSDs comprise 25% of total will be living with at least one
annual health care costs and are the type of arthritis by 2020
second largest cause of Sickness
and Invalid benefit payments due to Currently, the odds of
both direct and indirect effects of ill participating in the
health. labour force are 31.5% lower The original comfort bra
for those with a chronic without fiddly hooks
The report also revealed that the condition, such as most
individual and economic burden of MSDs The Fastener Free Bra
work-related ill health in New Zealand
Workplace participation stretches so it is easy to get on
is set to expand unless coordinated
and productivity is crucial and off, step through or
and prompt action is taken.
to New Zealands economy, overhead. No hooks and no
The Fit for Work report was particularly as the country wires. It is an easy fitting
developed by The Work Foundation, rebuilds after the Canterbury comfort bra.
a renowned global institute earthquakes.
specialising in policy issues around
work, calls for a collaborative Arthritis New Zealand Chief
Executive Sandra Kirby said the
Call 0800 170 015
approach from Government, For your free brochure
clinicians and employers to support report was well timed, due to recent
discussions about keeping people
people with MSDs and help them
return to work as soon as possible. in work and encouraging those on
benefits to return to the workforce.
Fastener Free Bra
Findings include:
It is a holistic look into a significant
MSDs and the associated national health issue with a wider The high percentage of people
expenses are estimated to reaching impact on society. Fit for affected demonstrates the size of
cost New Zealand more than Work illustrates a need to focus on the challenge. Changes will need to
$5.57 billion each year early detection of MSDs such as be made on all levels to overcome
In 2010, 14.5% of sickness arthritis and effective intervention to an obstacle of this size. We all
benefit claims and 11.7% significantly improve outcomes both have a role to play Government,
of invalid benefit claims were for the individual people involved and healthcare providers and employers
for MSDs, making it the also for the society as a whole. The - in supporting workers and ensuring
second largest category of best outcomes will have people with they are effectively equipped to
conditions resulting in such arthritis and other MSDs being able manage their condition, perform their
claims. This means 17,940 to stay in work or have the earliest work duties and live well.
people were receiving possible return to work.
For people with arthritis there are
sickness or invalid She added that chances are also adjustments we know people
benefits as a result of workplaces with more than six want to work making it happen is
musculoskeletal conditions, employees are likely to have at the shared challenge.
the bulk of which will be least one person with a diagnosis of
arthritis arthritis.

13
Living with two forms of arthritis
Karen Browne (61) of Dunedin is kept Her arthritis affects both knees,
busy by her work as an administrator hips, her lower back, the base of her
at the Faculty of Medicine at Otago thumbs and, at times, her shoulders.
University. Her work is about 60%
Karen has not yet had any surgery
physical and 40% sedentary, and she
for her arthritis, but she finds wearing
manages this while living with two
supportive splints for her wrists and
forms of arthritis.
thumbs especially helpful, but she
Fifteen years ago, an orthopaedic usually only wears these at nights,
surgeon diagnosed Karen as having because they limit her movement.
osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is often
Arthritis has had a considerable
referred to as wear and tear of the
impact on Karens life. She used to
joints, and is the most common form
enjoy windsurfing and skiing, but she
of arthritis. It affects almost half of
can no longer participate in these
all people over the age of 60, and
activities. She used to be a voluntary
virtually all over the age of 80 will
ambulance officer with the Wellington
have osteoarthritis. Then, four years
Free Ambulance, but she had to give
ago, Karen was told she probably
this up because of knee pain and
had Calcium Pyrophosphate
instability. Housework and gardening Karen was referred to Arthritis New
Dihydrate Crystal Deposition Disease
are now very difficult, and Karen Zealand by her GP and she found it
(CPPD), which is sometimes known
cant garden for more than an hour or very helpful to speak with an Arthritis
as pseudo-gout. This diagnosis was
two now. She also now finds herself Educator and she attends our
confirmed by a joint aspiration earlier
asking people to slow down so she seminars from time to time.
this year.
can keep up.

Exploring the benefits of hydrotherapy

Exercise has long been
recommended for people with
arthritis, and different forms of
exercise have been found to have
various benefits for arthritic hip and
knee patients, including decrease in
pain and stiffness, and improvement
of function.
Clinical experience suggests
hydrotherapy has a number of
benefits when compared to land-
based exercises. The warm
temperature of hydrotherapy pools
may decrease pain and stiffness and
promote relaxation, and buoyancy
reduces the amount of load going
through a joint. But few studies have
been able to demonstrate water-
based exercises are superior to other
forms of exercise.
Jordyn Dangen, supervised by
Dr Peter Larmer & Associate
Professor Paula Kersten, School of
Physiotherapy, AUT conducted a
research project under an Arthritis
New Zealand summer scholarship on
the benefits of hydrotherapy. Fifteen
participants were recruited (twelve
females, three males) from Auckland
in January 2011.
The participants commented on the
benefits of having an opportunity to
exercise in a hydrotherapy pool with
the instructor. For some participants
the instructor made the experience
enjoyable and created a supportive
atmosphere, while others found that
the knowledge the instructor was able
to provide was important.
The findings of this project identified
the following benefits:
Strength
Gaining strength through
hydrotherapy was described by
participants.
Flexibility/Mobility
Participants described feeling less
stiff afterwards, or feeling more
limber, mobile and flexible.
Social
Participants, particularly in the AUT
focus group, frequently described
socialising and interacting with others
in their hydrotherapy group as a
benefit.
Psychological
Participants described psychological
benefits from going to hydrotherapy.
Maintenance
Maintaining a certain level of function
was seen as an important benefit by
participants. Many stated they did not
know how their osteoarthritis would
be affecting them if they werent
coming to hydrotherapy. Participants
also stated that when the pool was
closed over a summer period or for
re-furbishing they really noticed a
negative difference. As osteoarthritis
is a progressive, degenerative
disease maintenance is potentially a
very important factor.

14
Rheumatoid arthritis and smoking
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a
common, chronic disease affecting
1-2% of the population. RA has
significant social, medical and
economic costs to both the individual
and the health care system. It is
characterised by inflammation of the
joint synovial membrane, cartilage
degradation and bone erosion.
Smoking remains a major health
problem in New Zealand. It is well
known that smoking increases the
risk of developing chronic conditions.
There is increasing evidence that
smoking has a direct impact on RA in
a variety of ways. It increases the risk
of developing RA, results in greater
severity of the disease and reduces
efficacy of medications used to treat
RA.
In addition, smoking is a recognised support for the experimental group
risk factor for cardio vascular of patients with RA who smoke to
disease, which was shown to be help them to adhere to the smoke
significantly increased in patients cessation programme.
with RA. Smoking results in higher
Arthritis New Zealand and the Health
mortality in patients with RA.
Research Council co-funded this
Since smoking predisposes to research.
developing RA a higher proportion of
patients with RA are smokers. Recent
studies have reported that 20-28% of
RA patients are current smokers.
Arthritis New Zealand is participating
in a very interesting project working
with a PhD student Pip Aimer
supervised by Associate Professor
Lisa Stamp from Otago University in
Christchurch.
Arthritis Educators Alexe Hewitt and
Suzanne Croft in Christchurch will
be providing education (clinics) and
15
 For further information...
When you phone our free 0800 number you will be put in contact with one
Call free 0800 663 463
of our trained Arthritis Educators, who can give you advice and support on
managing your arthritis. You can also find out about your regions support
groups, and when an Arthritis Educator will next be visiting your district.

Did you know that by phoning 0900 333 20, you can make an automatic $20
Make a donation donation to support the more than 530,000 New Zealanders who are living with
arthritis?

Visit www.arthritis.org.nz Visit our website for the latest news about arthritis, information about different
types of arthritis, downloadable brochures, to find out whats on in your area,
and more.
facebook.com/arthritis.newzealand

twitter.com/arthritisnz

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FREE CALL 0508 75 74 73 naturopath.blackmoresnz.co.nz

Always read the label and use as directed. Supplementary to a balanced diet.

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